Compare Illinois Electric Rates and Prices

• The average Illinois electricity rate for residential customers is 15.35 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is 7.6% lower than the national average of 16.62 cents per kWh.
• The average Illinois electricity rate for commercial customers is 12.19 cents per kWh. This is 10.2% lower than the national average of 13.58 cents per kWh.

You’ll find a few common types of energy plans on the Choose Energy marketplace when you enter your ZIP code to compare rates. The exact rate you pay will depend on your chosen plan and how much energy you use each month. Before signing up, read each plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to understand the details of your service. Learn more about your energy plan options with Choose Energy.

• Fixed-rate plans: The rate you pay for every kWh of electricity is set and will not change, providing a predictable monthly bill. Most contracts last between 12–36 months, but you may be able to find other options. If you cancel your contract before the term ends, you’ll likely incur an early termination fee (ETF). If you are canceling your plan because you are moving outside of the supplier’s service area, you won’t be charged an ETF.
• Variable-rate plans: With this plan type, the rate you pay for electricity changes monthly based on energy market variations. You may have a lower rate during months of low demand but will experience price hikes when energy demand increases. You can cancel your variable-rate plan at any time without paying a termination fee.
• No-deposit plans: These plans allow you to avoid paying the deposit before starting service. Some no-deposit plans, such as prepaid plans, let you pay for your energy before you use it. If the funds in your account run low, you’ll receive an alert about your account balance.
• Green energy plans: Some providers offer plans powered by renewable energy sources, like solar power or wind energy. These green energy plans provide renewable energy credits (RECs) to add more energy sourced from renewables to the grid.

Enter your ZIP code on Choose Energy’s free, independent marketplace to start shopping for plans. You can use our marketplace filters to sort by preferences like usage level, provider, green energy, all-credit approved, and more.

Deregulated energy markets have two major players: energy providers and utility companies. You have the option to choose your supplier in Illinois, but your utility is determined by your address. Understanding the different roles providers and utilities play lets you know who to contact with questions about your service. Here’s a breakdown of their key responsibilities.

Energy suppliers

Energy suppliers are in charge of selling energy plans to customers. They also handle account management, such as meter reading and responding to customers’ questions about energy plans. You can use our marketplace to discover the cheapest energy suppliers in Illinois. Some of the top light companies include:

• Constellation Energy
• Direct Energy
• Public Power

Utility providers

Utility companies deliver energy to your home or business. They’re also responsible for maintaining the electrical infrastructure and responding to power outages. If you experience a power outage in your area, contact your utility company to report it and receive updates about when service will be restored. There are two major utility companies in Illinois:

• ComEd: 1-800-334-7661
• Ameren Illinois: 1-800-755-5000

As you shop, you’ll want to do an electricity comparison to find the best rate. That is where the price to compare (PTC) comes into play. The PTC is the default energy rate from your local utility. It is a benchmark price you can use when comparing options with alternate providers. This price changes if you switch providers and sign up for a different plan.

The average electric bill in Illinois is currently $110.52 per month. You can estimate your energy bill by multiplying your electricity rate with your monthly usage. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), Illinois residents typically use 720 kWh per month and the state’s average energy price is 15.35 cents per kWh. It makes Illinois one of the cheapest states for energy.

Illinois deregulated its energy market in 1997, giving residents and businesses the freedom to choose their electricity supplier. Deregulation creates competition among energy companies and can lead to cheaper electric rates and better terms.

The official electric choice website for the Illinois Commerce Commission is called Plug In Illinois. However, deciding between providers can be confusing. Choose Energy is a free energy marketplace where you can easily find and compare electricity rates and plans in Illinois. Enter your ZIP code to explore options and find the best electricity rates in your area.

Choose Energy makes it easy to compare electricity providers and plans to fit your energy needs. You can find a plan, compare your options, and sign up for service in three simple steps:

• Enter your ZIP code. Browse a list of available retail energy suppliers and plans.
• Filter your search results. Sort by plan type, contract length, provider, and more. Compare available plans and select the one that meets your needs.
• Sign up online or over the phone. Your chosen supplier will complete your setup without interrupting service.

How much does electricity cost in Illinois?

The average electricity rate in Illinois is currently 15.35 cents per kWh, and the average monthly energy bill is $110.52, according to data from the EIA.

How do I find the best electricity rates in Illinois?

You can search, compare, and switch providers on the Choose Energy marketplace. Filter for what matters most to you, like specific suppliers, contract lengths, and green energy options. Once you’re signed up, your new service usually begins on the next billing cycle. Your provider will ensure the transition to your new plan is smooth without interrupting your power.

Is a deposit required for my energy plan?

Many energy suppliers require a deposit if your credit score doesn’t meet a certain threshold. Some energy suppliers will waive the deposit if you enroll in auto-bill pay. However, you can find a variety of prepaid and no-deposit plans on our marketplace by filtering your search.

How can I lower my electric bill?

There are many ways to lower your energy bills, including performing regular maintenance on your HVAC, installing energy-efficient appliances, and reducing your heating and cooling usage. You can also consider switching to an energy supplier in Illinois with a lower rate. If you are currently on a fixed-rate plan, you may be required to pay an ETF if you switch before the end of your contract.